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Word History

Words of the Year: 1066

Why is pig meat called 'pork' and cow meat called 'beef?' Because English took on a big serving of French words following the Norman Conquest.


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play video title words of the year 1066
Words of the Year: 1066

 

English was never the same after the Norman Conquest

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Old-School Grammar

 

Many of today's grammar rules can be traced to the opinions of one 18th century writer.

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How to Remember 'Affect' and 'Effect'

 

A simple way to keep them apart. (Most of the time.)

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Video: Why Is There a 'C' in 'Indict'?

 

And who put it there, anyway?

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The True Story of the Backward Index

 

These people needed a computer

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'Everyday' vs. 'Every Day'

 

A simple trick to keep them separate

play video cynic
The History of 'Cynic'

 

How an ancient philosophical movement devoted to the pursuit of virtue came to describe eye-rolling criticism.